Veteran sports writer Jim Utter covers NASCAR for The Charlotte Observer and its racing site, ThatsRacin.com. In this space, Jim writes about all things NASCAR and other forms of racing which may also be relevant ... or not.

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Rock is filling up for NASCAR's return

Rockingham Speedway owner Andy Hillenburg said Saturday that the speedway's inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is approaching a sellout.

The backstretch grandstands were removed after Bruton Smith bought the track in 2007, leaving approximately 31,000 seats, which cover the area from the exit of Turn 4, through the frontstretch and into Turns 1 and 2.

"Two weeks ago I would have told you there was no chance that we could sell out for NASCAR's return," Hillenburg said. "We were doing well two weeks ago but we are doing even better today.

"Sitting here 24 hours before the race, I'm going to say we have a 30 to 40 percent chance of selling out. I already expect a crowd of over 25,000-plus. We are definitely going to rock the house, whether it be 25,000 or 31,000. I'm very excited."

Already this week, NASCAR's return has brought out big crowds for a parade of the NASCAR haulers on Thursday night and an autograph signing and "Thunderfest" festival on Friday night.

"From the hauler parade, we had 'Welcome back NASCAR' signs, I bet I saw over a 100 of them. It was phenomenal," Hillenburg said. "It's all anyone has been talking about - NASCAR's return.

1 comment:

Hillinberg deserves commendation for his efforts. If he keeps the track for what it is he'll be successful. People need to understand what Rockingham is and what it is not - it is not a Cup-caliber track anymore and fans who still insist on advocating bringing Cup back need to grow up. The place is not good enough, the demographic is not good enough for Rockingham to be more than it is now.